Good Morning Rwanda

We carried our 2 turquoise buckets to the kitchen each morning to get hot water from the stove. A big pot of milky tea would be heating over the charcoal fire in the corner to be served for breakfast at 7 (it was absolutely yummy). Visiting a few moments with whoever was working in the kitchen, back past the turkeys, hearing the birds sing a beautiful song amongst the flowers and fruits hanging from their trees, we would then use this hot water to bathe with. And so our daily routine began.

The first day took us to the Market. What an experience that we were whisked away to suddenly, without notice of where we were going as it was to be a surprise. We found ourselves on the back of a motorcycle taxi meandering through the cars, buses, people and other motorcycles of the streets of Kigali. We were trying to take in all the sights and sounds around us while figuring out the best way to hold on. Before we knew it, we were there. Helmets off, pictures snapped, the fare paid, and off into the Market area. Narrow rows seeming to have no end with items for sale side by side and many feet high, colorful cloth in abundance, baskets, jewelry, so much more, sewing machines lined up to make your clothes, people smiling and eager for a sale, we could barely take it all in. A gift was to be given to each of us, cloth chosen, a skirt and shirt to be made, measurements taken, how do you choose?

Naps taken in the afternoon, thunder rolling in the distance, turkeys gobbling, cranes flying overhead announcing their arrival, a few African voices heard from those visiting nearby. Dinner at 6:30 with extremely generous portions being served at both lunch and dinner. I always had to ask for less than half. (Apologies have been given to Michael for not feeding him enough when he was with us that month!) Rice, carrots, beans, greens, pineapple, avocado (my favorite), sometimes meat in a sauce, potatoes, spaghetti and 2 dishes I can't spell. One sounds like "oh golly". It is white, dough like, can be rolled up and dipped in a sauce or eaten with other items on your plate. It is a favorite of our African friends. The sun sets at 5:30; it is dark and lights are dim inside. Since we are usually up with the sun at 5:30AM, bedtime is early. Except when the dancing begins! Two hours later, exhausted and deeply moved we disperse to our sleeping quarters. And we are only on day 2 out of 11...